A Washington County, Utah Sheriff's K-9 is in stable condition after being shot by a suspect during a standoff Tuesday night.
Deputies were dispatched to the area of 400 N. Bluff Street in Saint George around 9:56 p.m.where a suspect reportedly assaulted a resident and stole his truck that contained a rifle and ammunition, according to KUTV.
Investigators say the suspect abandoned the first stolen truck before stealing a second truck. Deputies spotted the second truck and initiated a pursuit.
Minutes later, the truck was reported to have crashed into a residence in the area of 2500 Santa Clara Drive.
The suspect sitting in the driver's seat of the truck and attempts were made to convince the suspect to surrender. During this time K-9 Officer Tess, a 7-year-old female Malinois, arrived at the ongoing standoff.
After 30 minutes of attempted negotiations, the suspect opened the truck door and Tess jumped into the cab. The suspect fired shots from a handgun, striking the K-9 in the head.
Deputies returned fire on the suspect, striking him multiple times.
The suspect was taken into custody and transported to Dixie Regional Medical Center for surgery.
K-9 Officer Tess was transported to a veterinarian in Washington County for surgery and was transferred to a veterinary specialist in Las Vegas.
The incident is currently under investigation.
